Supa Tosh, a professional Nigerian skater with a passion for driving, considers the Dodge Challenger SRT more than just a car – it’s his buddy. “The Dodge Challenger SRT is the kind of car you don’t need a test drive to fall in love with,” he recently shared with AutoJournal Africa in this documentary.
Top 6 facts about the Dodge Challenger SRT
The Dodge Challenger roars onto the scene, not just with its powerful engine but also with a rich history and surprising facts. This iconic American muscle car continues to turn heads decades after its debut.
For car enthusiasts, Dodge and Challenger are synonymous but there’s more to this legendary vehicle than meets the eye.
From humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom
Dodge’s journey began not on the racetrack, but with bicycle parts! Believe it or not, the company that gave us the Challenger started by manufacturing bicycle ball bearings before venturing into automobiles.
The Challenger itself made a grand entrance in 1969. This wasn’t just a car; it was a movie star. The Challenger’s powerful presence graced the silver screen in films like “Vanishing Point” and “Fast & Furious 2,” solidifying its place in pop culture.
A celebrity favourite
The love affair with the Challenger extends beyond the big screen. Celebrities like Jeff Dunham and Kenny Wayne have all been spotted cruising in style behind the wheel of a Challenger. It seems even A-listers appreciate the thrill of a Dodge muscle car.
The re-engineered challenger
Not all Challengers were created equal. There’s a surprising twist in the Challenger’s tale. The second-generation Challenger, produced in the late 70s and early 80s, wasn’t actually a Dodge at all! It was a rebadged Mitsubishi. This period saw a decline in sales, but Dodge roared back strong with the return of the iconic Challenger in 2006.
The return of a legend
After a two-decade hiatus, the Challenger made a triumphant return in 2006. This time, it wasn’t just a nostalgic throwback. The new Challenger offered a winning combination of classic design with modern muscle car performance.
The 2006 Challenger offered drivers a choice between a powerful V6 engine and a legendary Hemi V8, ensuring there was a Challenger for every thrill-seeker.
The Dodge Challenger SRT takes performance to new heights
The 2006 Challenger was a hit, but Dodge wasn’t done yet. In 2008, they unleashed the Challenger SRT8, a true force to be reckoned with. This high-performance beast boasted cutting-edge technology and an unmatched design, making it a true competitor in the muscle car arena.
Hellcat is the King of the Challengers
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, launched in 2015, took the automotive world by storm. This supercharged beast offered even more power and a head-turning facelift, solidifying the Challenger’s place as a top contender in the muscle car world.
Read more on Muscle meets volts: 2024 Dodge EV Chargers are the quickest and most powerful yet
